"Homes for sale in seven of the top 10 eating towns have a median price per square foot of $200 or more," Trulia notes. Why? "Many people are willing to pay more to live near restaurants. But, more importantly, high-income people have more money to spend on eating out, so the high-cost places where high-income people tend to live can support more restaurants."

But that doesn't mean big cities have the final say in fine dining. Take Seattle, Providence, and Portland for example. All three made the top 10 restaurant list, thanks to local chefs who are willing to trade big city paychecks for cheaper rent while they get their start in the business.